Business as Romance: The Art and Science of Winning Customer’s Hearts
"In the absence of an emotional connection, people always choose the lowest price."
The 2nd Worst Time to Introduce Yourself to a Customer
By then — absent extraordinary sales skill — it’s too late to build preference and make a high value sale.
The Master Plumber’s Quiver: Five Arrows Of Competence And The Art Of Questioning
Being a master of your craft is more than just skill. It’s about understanding people.
What Are Your Ads Really Selling?
People evaluate professional services in the same way that they’d evaluate a potential friend or romantic partner.
Sales Promotions are Like Fertilizer (Helpful & Dangerous)
Use too much fertilizer and your business will smell like manure.
Inherent Drama As Advertising Super Power
One of the secrets behind many of the most iconic mascots, slogans, and campaigns in American history.
What Is Empathy?
Cognitive Empathy is like a map of the terrain. Emotional Empathy is like stepping into the forest without a map.
Is Cap’n Crunch Driving Your Marketing?
A marketing diet heavy on pay-per-click is not sustainable. It lacks all the essential minerals and nutrients that make buyers love you.
Fierce Competition, Long Buying Cycles, and Great Advertising
For long buying cycles, pre-convince customers before they're looking. Waiting is too costly.
Pay Attention: Smart People are the Worst Explainers
Inattentional blindness is a real thing. It's not just about being a better explainer; it's about being a better thinker.
Why I Got Fired
In a little over 18 months, top of mind awareness jumped 550%. And I was fired. And I deserved it.
Effective Marketing on a Budget
The common shotgun style approach may actually hurt your business growth if you are working on a limited budget.
The New Voice of Writing Ads (Non-Ads)
What's driving this trend? In a word: trust. Consumers are looking for brands they can connect with on a deeper level.
The Bump Free Zone
Growing your company should be fun, and it should feel good. Like giving up my Saturday morning cartoons to place magazines.
The New Marketing Ideas: Transparency, Engagement, and ZMOT
There is a dangerous assumption that all contenders are created equal during The Moment of Truth.